avião
/a.viˈɐ̃w̃/masculine
In Portuguese, the word for plane is avião. Wiktionary also lists aeroplano.
Meaning: airplane (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| avião | /a.viˈɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) /aˈvjɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) |
masculine |
| aeroplano | /aˌɛ.ɾoˈplɐ̃.nu/ (Brazil) /ɐˌɛ.ɾɔˈplɐ.nu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
The term is used to refer to an airplane. Related to this, the word plano refers to a flat surface or a plan and aplainar means to smooth something with a plane.
Which one should you use?
The word avião is the common term for a plane, while aeroplano is a more formal or technical term. Additionally, if you are referring specifically to a small plane, you should use the feminine noun avioneta.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
avião is a masculine noun. Its plural form is aviões.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /a.viˈɐ̃w̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use plano to mean an airplane. In Portuguese, plano means a flat surface, a level or a plan.
Did you know?
- In Brazilian Portuguese, the slang term avião can be used to describe a very attractive person.
- The word avião shares a linguistic root with the Latin word for bird, avis, meaning the word literally traces its history back to the idea of a 'bird'.
- The word plano can refer to a 'shot' or 'angle' in cinematography, but never to the aircraft itself.
Examples in context
- Eu vi um avião.I saw a plane.This sentence shows how to use avião to state that you saw a plane.Tatoeba #6469375 by heo598, translation #317979 by CK
- Te vejo no avião.See you on the plane.This sentence uses avião to say you will see someone on the plane.Tatoeba #4770471 by bill, translation #2647102 by CK
- Este avião é dele.This plane is his.This sentence demonstrates the use of avião to indicate ownership of the plane.Tatoeba #1190003 by alexmarcelo, translation #57451 by CK
- O avião pousará em breveThe plane will land soon
- A aeronave decolou com sucessoThe aircraft took off successfully
- A avioneta passou voando baixoThe small plane flew low
- 277 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Mariana are at the airport waiting for their flight.
- RodrigoO avião já chegou?Has the plane arrived yet?
- MarianaNão, o avião está atrasado.No, the plane is delayed.
- RodrigoQue pena, eu estava com pressa.That's too bad, I was in a hurry.
- MarianaNão se preocupe, Rodrigo.Don't worry, Rodrigo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plane” translations and entries avião, aeroplano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aeroplano, avião, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
